Hello darling darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-wearing time traveller and, of course, lover of all things leotard. As you know, December is my favourite month for leotard fashion – the air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and everyone is buzzing with anticipation for Christmas shows, new year's balls, and of course, those exciting new leotard releases!
Today we're journeying back to December 2019, a time of glittery ballet beginnings for yours truly, as it's when I first realised the true power of the pink sparkly leotard and the incredible possibilities of time travel. Remember, my darlings, every month I take a little trip through time, exploring leotard fashion in a different decade, sharing with you my discoveries and bringing you fabulous fashion inspiration from centuries past!
This month's adventure was rather magical, landing me right in the heart of the "golden age" of ballet, in December of 2019. Let me tell you, the energy was electric, the leotard styles were breathtaking, and it was a period of real creative flourishing.
Oh, before we get lost in the glittery glory, let me quickly tell you about the new pink sparkling leotard, I acquired from a kindly time travelling dressmaker just before hopping in the time machine. It’s not just sparkly, it’s positively blinding with shimmery silver sequins and delicate pink feathers fluttering about the bodice. The magic comes from the fabric itself – it has a mind of its own, weaving itself effortlessly into the historical timelines, blending seamlessly into the fashions of the era, leaving me both invisible and absolutely stunning! Oh, I forgot to mention – the sequins themselves are enchanted. Every twinkle has a specific time and place woven into it. With a whisper, "Take me to December 2019," they pull me to the very heart of this iconic period of ballet.
December 2019 - A Glittery Leotard Symphony
So, as I stepped into the December air of 2019, a vibrant energy was all around me. Everyone was talking about the exciting new season's openings – and the world of dance and theatre was positively abuzz with news of incredible costumes, bold innovations, and breathtaking productions. The buzz was, to be frank, contagious!
Imagine, dear reader, a world brimming with leotard styles that truly inspired the senses. Ballet leotards were as vibrant and daring as ever. There was a whole movement around sustainability with recycled and natural materials – and new fabric designs like stretch velvet that moved with the dancers like a second skin. There were luxurious velvet leotards with daringly cut sleeves – so very flattering for the ballet figure! Then, of course, there were the tutus, a symphony of shimmering colour and elegant shapes – from soft tulle clouds to bold layers of pleated satin, each tutu told a unique story. The attention to detail, my darlings, was mind-blowing! I even saw tutus that incorporated embroidery techniques centuries old – just pure artistic brilliance.
London Fashion Scene: A Theatrical Treat
But December wasn’t just about ballet. London was alive with festive cheer and stunning leotard fashion! You had the dazzling shows at the Royal Opera House, where designers experimented with dramatic silhouettes and boldly colored tights – think black velvet for a bold contrast with leotards in fiery scarlet and deep navy. This look was all over the stage during "La Traviata," a spectacle not to be missed!
And speaking of "La Traviata," can we talk about the corsetry? It wasn't your everyday underwear-like corsetry, mind you, but a spectacular array of decorative corsets used to accentuate the curves and create the dramatic silhouettes. Think fitted bodices made of shimmering satin and lavish embroidered fabrics, accentuating those classic corsetry styles with a unique artistic twist! And that wasn’t all! This era was big on adding detail and interest to leotards - delicate lace was used in innovative ways, making even simple styles a lot more stylish, adding a feminine touch without compromising functionality. Oh, the elegance and finesse! It was so stylish it practically demanded a grand soirée.
But if opera wasn't your style, you could always pop down to the Victoria and Albert museum for a leotard inspired fashion exhibit featuring vintage creations by the likes of Cecil Beaton, the fashion photographer and costume designer, whose incredible creativity and skill inspired a whole generation of fashion icons. I had to pick up a pair of these iconic, vintage beaded leotard stockings. I just couldn’t resist the sheer vintage glamour and elegant touch!
Leotard Fashion Inspirations for Your Next Dance Performance
December 2019 was truly an extraordinary experience for leotard enthusiasts, leaving me inspired to bring some of this retro glam back to present day! You know what to do, darling, embrace your inner vintage dancer and try some of these amazing fashion trends:
*Go for vintage: *Pick up some vintage leotards and stockings – thrifting can be truly rewarding, and with the right care, vintage pieces can last a lifetime. Look for styles from this period that you can integrate into your everyday look for a unique touch of vintage glamour.
*Embroidered Detail: *Get creative and try incorporating embroidery on your own leotards! It doesn’t need to be grand or time consuming - try adding a few delicate flowers or patterns to your favourite black leotard!
*Luxe Velvets and Textures: * Velvet leotards add such a dramatic touch to any ensemble. Think sparkly velvet leotards or a combination of velvet and lace for dramatic looks.
Go Big and Bold: Don't be afraid to experiment with colours and shapes – remember the era of lavish details and dramatic colour combinations. Let your inner bold beauty take centre stage!
Corsets for Everyday Style: Channel that chic opera glamour by incorporating the vintage corsets into your wardrobe. You can try vintage-inspired corset tops, and even try incorporating corsets into modern-day dresses and even evening looks!
Pink Tutu World - The Heart of Leotard Fashion
As my trip through December 2019 came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. I was reminded of the boundless possibilities of the world of leotards and tutus. Fashion and creativity are, after all, endless! It’s about finding your own style and embracing your inner dancer, and I'm always ready to offer a little guidance. After all, our pink-tutu world welcomes anyone who loves to move, dance, and experiment with fashion! I have a dream to spread the joy and the sheer magic of pink tutus to every corner of the globe. So don’t forget, you can find me here every month, ready to embark on a new journey into leotard history! Join me, darling darlings, and let's continue to celebrate the beauty of movement and fashion together.
Now, before I sign off, I simply had to share something special with you:
I’ll be holding my next street performance on December 10th in Market Square! It's going to be a stunning mix of modern dance styles, classical movements and just a sprinkle of glitter, of course! It’s my way of showing you how you can embrace your inner dancer no matter your style and be a part of the Pink Tutu revolution.
Stay fashionable, and keep shining bright, Emma, the Pink Tutu Blogger
